TDK Bets on AI Wearables with SoftEye Smart Glasses Deal

In a strategic move that signals its ambitions beyond smartphone components, Japan’s TDK has acquired U.S.-based smart glasses specialist SoftEye. The deal, announced on Thursday, is part of TDK’s broader push to tap into the rapidly expanding market for AI-driven wearable technology.

SoftEye, headquartered in San Diego, California, is known for developing advanced software and hardware solutions for smart glasses. The company’s proprietary technologies focus on eye tracking and object recognition—two crucial elements for the next generation of augmented reality (AR) and AI-integrated devices.

While official financial details remain undisclosed, a source close to the matter revealed the acquisition is valued at under $100 million. This relatively modest investment could pay significant dividends as the wearable tech sector continues to attract major players and billions in funding.

Smart Glasses: The Next Big Tech Frontier

The acquisition reflects a larger industry trend as tech giants shift their focus from smartphones to smart glasses and AI-enhanced wearables. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has been openly pursuing AR glasses projects, while Snap recently announced plans to roll out consumer-ready smart glasses in 2026.

At its recent developer conference, Google showcased a new prototype of its AI-powered smart glasses, hinting at a revitalized push into a category it first explored over a decade ago with Google Glass. Qualcomm, the American chipmaker, has also stepped into the fray, unveiling a dedicated processor tailored for smart glasses earlier this month.

TDK’s involvement is far from incidental. The Japanese electronics manufacturer, once synonymous with cassette tapes, has successfully reinvented itself as a critical supplier of components and batteries for smart devices, including wearables. This latest deal aligns with TDK’s ambition to secure a stronger foothold in AI-driven consumer hardware.

SoftEye’s Vision: Smarter, Seamless Human-Tech Interaction

Founded by Te-Won Lee, a former executive at both Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm, SoftEye has carved out a niche in creating intuitive, AI-powered user interfaces for wearable devices. The company’s technologies enable precise eye-tracking capabilities and real-time object recognition, paving the way for more natural interactions between users and their digital environments.

Lee’s background in both the hardware and AI software sectors positions SoftEye to be a pivotal player in the future of smart glasses. By integrating SoftEye’s technology into its product portfolio, TDK could emerge as a serious competitor in a space currently dominated by American tech giants.

TDK’s AI Ambitions Gain New Momentum

The SoftEye acquisition is more than just a foray into wearables; it signals TDK’s intention to leverage artificial intelligence as a growth driver across multiple product categories. Batteries remain a core business for the company, but AI-integrated components—especially for AR glasses and related devices—represent a new revenue stream with immense potential.

TDK has quietly been supplying batteries to several smart glasses projects over the years, but this latest acquisition hints at a more aggressive strategy. By combining its expertise in power management with SoftEye’s AI-powered optics, TDK may be positioning itself to provide end-to-end solutions for future wearables.

Related Insight: The Global Smart Glasses Market Heats Up

The global smart glasses market is expected to grow from around $7 billion in 2024 to more than $19 billion by 2030, according to recent forecasts by Market Research Future. While early consumer versions struggled with price, privacy concerns, and limited functionality, AI integration and improved hardware are rapidly changing the narrative.

Meta, Apple, and Google are all doubling down on wearable AR devices, with Meta reportedly investing over $10 billion annually into its Reality Labs division. Meanwhile, niche players like Snap and Lenovo continue to innovate in enterprise and consumer-focused smart eyewear.

TDK’s SoftEye acquisition adds another serious contender to this increasingly crowded field—one with a unique combination of battery tech and AI-driven optics. The next few years could see the company emerge as a critical behind-the-scenes player in the smart glasses ecosystem.